College plans:

Attend Winona State University, where I will major in nursing. Then I plan to go to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner and work at a hospital in the neonatal department.

Favorite sports memory:

I can’t narrow my favorite memory down to just one. So, here are my top picks. First off, winning conference two years in a row with my cross country team was absolutely awesome and brought our team even closer and stronger than ever. Secondly, becoming the individual conference champion my senior year in cross country was really empowering and a goal I have been continually striving for. Then come my experiences at state events. Competing in track of my junior year, myself and my 3,200-meter relay team was my first state appearance in my high school career. Although it was nerve-wracking, it was a great experience with a great group of girls. Topping my list for favorite memories is advancing to state in cross country of my senior year. It had been a goal since my freshman year. My hard work had paid off and I finally had made it. I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my senior season of cross country.

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Advice to an athlete:

The advice that I would provide to an aspiring high school athlete is to never back down. As they say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” If you continually push yourself, in practices and while competing, you will become a better athlete; that means even training in the off-seasons. Also, set goals, not limits. By having that image in your brain, it becomes way easier for you to make it a reality. If you reach your goal, make a new one and always be pushing your mental limits. Another important feature is to listen to your coaches. Yes, they may give you hard workouts, and push you like crazy, but in the end they know what they’re doing. Your coaches know what will make you stronger and they’re there to support you and improve your abilities. Lastly, much like I started out, don’t give up. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and all your hard work will most definitely reward you in the end.

Your inspiration:

My main inspiration during my high school sports career was my older brother. As I followed in his footsteps and picked up on the same sports that he participated in, I only wanted to get better. By seeing the success that he had, I wanted to strive for the same. By seeing him succeed, it gave me the belief and will power to know that I could achieve the same. It also helped that he was always at my sporting events supporting me being that we were involved in the same sports. Through his constant encouragement and for him to be a role model for me, he is my main inspiration through high school and still continues through to today.